Moving away from the abstract, what is required? For starters, the last week of October was a good one for Pakistan’s democracy. The freedom and power of political activism is what sustains a democracy. Hence, it is encouraging to see people come out in droves in support of the parties they believe hold the solutions to their problems. Moreover, it is highly encouraging to see young people participating, considering that the youth has rarely played a key role in Pakistan’s political scene. What is most important now is to ensure that this political activism is translated into tangible change through democratic means. If there is anything that a vast majority of Pakistanis agree on today, it is that change is required.
But, questions linger. What kind of change is required? Who will bring this change? How will the change come about? The answers to these questions are not immediate, but they can be found. The signs from last week are encouraging, but more political action is required.
In 2008, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), more than 35 million people turned out to vote in Pakistan’s general election. At the time, that figure represented 44 per cent of the population eligible to vote. The IPU monitors dozens of countries, and Pakistan’s voter turnout percentage was the third lowest out of all the countries they monitor. This abysmal figure represents a problem that needs to be solved going forward. Some of the 56 per cent who did not turn out to vote in 2008 are part of those craving change today. The best way for them and the rest of the population to enact change is through their vote. The greatest strength of a democracy is found in the immense power a single voter has. If the vast majority of the country fails to utilise their vote, our democracy becomes significantly weaker.
When change arrives in Pakistan, it will be for the better. Often when countries transform, there is an evolution across the board: the politicians mature, the state is bolstered, the society strengthens and the economy picks up. It is almost as if a change in one sector elicits change in the others.
The renewed sense of political activism we find ourselves witnessing today may be the catalyst for the change the nation is craving. A new sense of hope has been ignited. We may not know it yet, but we have already started the journey to a better tomorrow. Pakistan’s youth has an immense burden to carry, but at more than a hundred million-strong, that burden is one we can handle.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2011.
COMMENTS (16)
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@J: I'm truly happy by the writer's concern for his country, and genuinely appreciate him for not losing hope. But I as a reader, am looking for something more in an article, not just optimism. The writer tells us that political action is required, but he doesn't clearly define (show) how will political action translate to change, in a country like Pakistan. However, some friendly editorial advice: I'd suggest that you dig a little deeper, and scrutinize all areas and issues, before making an argument. Doing so, will result in a much more stronger argument. :) But good going, please keep writing!
@d m bugti: It is up to the people to elect these "well-educated and visionary" leaders. We have to make sure these people are the ones who are responsible for our future. Through them, our future is in our hands.
@A: I completely agree with what you just said and that is exactly what I have been saying. Action is required, but change and progress are certainly possible. This is why I enjoy this author's writing.
@J: again, I haven't lost hope. But like all other areas in life, if we want to solve anything we must figure out the root of the problem. It's in our Pakistani nature to think things will be fine with a few tweaks here and there. No. There's got to be change at all levels. Everyone has to work in unison for it to happen, and there has to be a defined strategy and a clear process mapped out.
@A: The answers and solutions are certainly not easy, but they do exist. We can't just lose hope.
@antanu g: yes,agreed but pakistan political culture is too complicated,,,,,here some families think that they have the only right to do dirty politics and rule....the change will come on that day when i see that well educated,and vissionaryl leader got select from gujrat instead of chaudry bro,,,so on other areas of the country........instead of same repeated faces...........
@J: Who said that -- plz read my sentence again. I think the majority of them aren't capable. If they were capable, our country would have soared. And I think good and qualified citizens are to scared to run for office: either for the fear of their life, or they simply don't want to delve into corruption. It's a complex situation, with no one answer, and solution.
@d m bugti: journey to a 1000 miles starts with one step. It is the hope that makes the difference.
@A: Are you trying to tell me every single individual in Pakistani politics is rotten? If so, what is stopping the "good guys" from coming forth? We live in a democracy - anybody has the right and the ability to run for office. If the people are willing to bring the right individuals and parties to power, those individuals and parties will certainly come to power.
@J: It's not the wrong attitude -- it's the sad reality. The first change has to happen at the parliamentary level, candidates have to be selected based on a set of criterion. Once we have a pool of capable, hard working and ethical candidates, only then will politics bring forth positive change.
Well-written piece. It's important for the youth to take an avid interest in the political future of our country. Essentially, their future and livelihood is at stake. I'm glad you highlighted this important fact.
u write this article with positive attitude,but the change which is in ur eyes is still too far.only by winning lahore ,change does not come ,for this imran has to win the hearts of the peoples of sindh,KPK,and bln.and further more imran u r the only one in ur party,who seems to b active,what about ur other colleagues ,,,,r not they.this much competent to come on media,,,,face the hard question, i have seen one ur colleague throwing glass to his counterpar in tv talk show,,,,,that was a poor show,,,,,,so imran khan ,,,,,,,,this is mission immpossible for u....but our prayers r with u..........
@A: That's the wrong attitude to have. You can't completely lose hope in the political system - that's where tangible change has always come.
What's the point? It's not that our candidates are qualified and skillful enough to change the nation. Let's be practical for a change. There are definitely other ways, but I don't think this one will lead to change, for the good at least.
Well nothing new in this article except that it is written by a student in Harvard. However, the appreciable thing is the concern of an undergraduate student about political change.
superb article, great political insight